" alt="Hillman Real Estate Group" />The Triangle is gearing up for its first freeze of the 2016-2017 winter season. Besides shopping for chili and hot chocolate supplies, here are a few best practices to check off your homeowner “to do” list before the temperatures dip below freezing.
Inside the Home
- Insulate any water pipes that are in exposed or unheated areas (like crawl spaces, attics, garage, etc.).
- If you’re heading out of town, leave your heat on and set to no lower than 55 degrees. Open cabinet doors around plumbing to allow warm air to circulate.
- Stock up on the basics – but instead of milk and eggs (french toast, anyone?), make sure to have items like batteries and bottled water on hand in case of extended power outages due to downed utility lines.
- Check weatherstripping around doors and windows and replace where necessary to keep your home heated as efficiently as possible.
Outside the Home
- Disconnect all outside hoses from the faucet and insulate the faucet.
- Keep your pool or spa pumps running while the temperatures remain below freezing.
- Clean your gutters if you have time. Clogged gutters are more likely to freeze and allow melting ice to seep into your home’s roof or strain due to extra weight.
- Trim or prune trees closest to your house to minimize the risk of falling limbs due to freezing rain and snow.
- Lower or close storm windows in case you opened them this fall and forgot to return them to the closed position.
- Cover patio furniture after cleaning and drying to keep wintry elements off and to preserve their lifespan for the warmer weather months of enjoyment.
- Move any shovels or quick-access tools to the front of the garage or storage area so you can easily get to them should you need them to clear sidewalks, driveways, and decks.
Have other tips you find handy during the coldest months here in North Carolina? Please share them in the comments below. Stay safe and enjoy the any snow days that may come our way!